Hemerocallis aurantiaca

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The roots have spindle-shaped swellings. The cultivar 'Major' is smaller than the type species, but has larger flowers, it is sometimes cultivated for these edible flowers in Japan. Individual flowers are very short-lived, opening in the morning and withering in the evening. Plants take a year or two to become established after being moved. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. The plants are very susceptible to slug and snail damage, the young growth in spring is especially at risk. There is some doubt as to the origins of this plant, it might have arisen in cultivation at Kew.

Propagation

Seed - sow in the middle of spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring[K]. Seed is only set if the plant is fertilized by another species, thus seedlings will not be true to the species type. Division in spring or after flowering in late summer or autumn. Division is very quick and easy, succeeding at almost any time of the year[K]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Edible uses

Leaves and young shoots - cooked. They must be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous[K]. Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked. The tubular flowers are about 7.5cm long and 13cm in diameter. Root - raw or cooked. A radish-like flavour but not so sharp.

Medicinal uses

The juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic poisoning. A tea made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic.

Material uses

The tough dried foliage is plaited into cord and used for making footwear.

Habitat

Thickets, grasslands and streamsides at elevations of 300 - 1000 metres in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Taiwan.

Native range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.